The government is taking its time to consult with “organizations, industry, and individuals as well as the provinces and territories” before making a decision, Baird spokesman Rick Roth said in an email.

Roth stopped short of providing a timeline, however.

“If properly done, an arms trade treaty can help limit the worldwide trade in illicit arms,” he said.

“At the same time, it is important that such a treaty not affect lawful and responsible firearms owners nor discourage the transfer of firearms for recreational uses such as sport shooting and hunting.”

Dewar dismissed the government’s argument that the treaty would have an any impact on gun owners in Canada.

“No one believes that,” he said.

“If we see in the case of the United States, they’re going to sign the treaty where there’s very strong protection of gun owners rights. If they can sign it, why in God’s name can’t Canada?”

Amnesty International welcomed news of the U.S. signing the treaty, saying it would mark a milestone towards curbing the flow of arms and the atrocities they fuel, including the current violence in Syria.

“The U.S. is the world’s largest arms dealer, but has so far had a mixed record of suspending arms supplies on human rights grounds,” Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s secretary general, said in a statement.

“The world is now waiting for China and Russia to match the U.S. commitment.”

It is not clear what impact the treaty would have in curbing the global arms trade, estimated at between $60 billion and $85 billion annually. Much will depend on which countries ratify it, and how stringently it is implemented once it comes into force.

More than 85 countries have signed the treaty to date, but it will not take effect until 50 nations have ratified it.

The Obama administration announced it would sign the treaty in June over the objections of critics who fear it will undermine constitutional rights.